The deal that will bring Pape Souaré to Selhurst Park is edging closer as Crystal Palace have reportedly sent a delegation of staff to the African Cup of Nations game between Senegal and Algeria to give a medical to the left-back who was linked to the club at the end of last week.
Currently playing at the tournament, Souaré is now poised to be Alan Pardew’s first permanent signing at the club following the loan signing of Arsenal striker Yaya Sanogo two weeks ago, but now with the transfer window closing in on the manager who wants to bring a number of fresh faces to the club, the clock is ticking.
The 24-year-old has made 22 appearances for the French side this season, playing a number of games in the Coupe de la Ligue, Europa League and Lille’s attempt at Champions League football through the qualification stages at the start of the season. Over those games he hasn’t offered much going forward but has put in a number of good defensive performances this season which could help to build a more solid wall at the back of Palace’s line-up.
Reports suggest that Souaré will sign a three-and-a-half year deal at the club for a fee believed to be around £3.4m.
